I’ve been mostly sticking with the original plan as we head into the end of Q1. I say mostly because as much as I love working from a list, I never want the planning process to be so rigid that it precludes an occasional great wildcard or happenstance (aka happydance) find. In the last month I’ve had good luck with end of season sales as well as two serendipitous additions. The beauty of a working list means I can edit and revise as needed, and the process sometimes saves me from making a mistaken purchase altogether. So here’s the latest.
Purchased (Jan/Feb) and in the rotation (recapped here and here):
Old Céline trifold tote (secondhand)
New in/hits:
cropped barrel chinos: I wasn’t really sure what to expect but when these arrived and I tried them on, they actually look great! FYI: I got the khaki version which looks like an army green online but IRL they’re a true medium khaki brown. Quite happy with how the color turned out, as I don’t have any chinos in this shade or style. Fit-wise they run true to a tad large, so consider going one size down if you want a somewhat tailored fit around the waist/hip and a closer crop at the ankle (which is what I prefer). The combination of a cropped leg with a subtle front pleat detail adds an architectural slight curve to the silhouette. Without the pleat and the slightly curved cut these would just be run-of-the-mill oversized pants. The pleat adds a little structure without taking away from the overall soft drape. These will be a fun new foundation pant to wear and style for everyday and travel.
TL-180 fazzoletto belt pouch* (on sale in another colorway here): *an off-list deep sale find. Belts are one thing I used to never think much about, but in the last year or so I realized they’re the underrated small accessory that can magically transform a look. I needed a simple wider belt for cinching some coats and jackets and tunic-y dresses and was going to add one to my Q2 WP list, but this sale find popped up and inspired early action. When I came across this quirky yet ingenious belt with a detachable dressier phone pouch/micro bag, I gave myself a week1 to evaluate its feasibility, and ultimately decided that it’s going to be very useful for ultra minimalist outings2 + travel. PSA: Don’t sleep on TL-180, you guys. Here’s an interview with the founders, Luisa Orsini and Antonine Peduzzi. I’m a fan of the Italian craftsmanship and low key cool designs. Really lovely buttery leather on the belt, and the intricately woven leather on the pouch adds great texture to an outfit. Bonus: the chain strap is removable, so it’s swappable with other straps for a totally different look. Stylish modularity at its best.
knit cropped kick flares*: *also off-list but these popped up on my radar a few weeks ago when I was still blissfully unaware of all the hype around High Sport. (Now that I know, I can’t unknow!) I got a pair of kick flare jeans on sale some years back so I know the style works for me. (A cropped jean/pant = many shoe and styling possibilities.) And in addition to not carrying an $860 (!!!) pre-tax price tag, these are machine washable (yay!) — a prerequisite for the majority of my wardrobe basics. Overall very pleased with this new foundation piece in the comfy-yet-still-put-together category of my travel capsule + updated everyday wardrobe.
Misses:
elegant trouser sweatpants: speaking of machine-washable … file this under an error of fabric vetting. I was happy with the fit and drape of these but just as I was about to snip off the tags saw that these were dry clean only/specifically labeled not washable. If you’re a longtime reader you know I try to avoid dry clean only pieces as much as possible (unless of course we’re talking about something like a structured blazer or topcoat). Usually, viscose blends tend to be gentle cycle/machine wash cold/hang dry, but apparently this particular EcoVero blend is not. I’ve gentle cycle washed allegedly ‘dry-clean only’ silk pieces without issues, but some viscose blends can dramatically shrink and warp … so it’s dicey. Disappointing — these went back. But hey, I’ll thank myself later for avoiding the hassle of unnecessarily fussy fabric care for what should be a wash-and-wear basic.classic leather Pumas: I realized these were redundant to my pair of retro Pumas I bought on sale several years ago. (Note to self: I need to keep my sneakerhead tendencies in check.) A recent long day trip confirmed that I am actually in need of a pair of extra cushiony sneakers that will better stave off walking fatigue for short and long distance trips. Because there are few things more annoying than having to cut an outing short because your feet hurt.
On the list:
aggressively cushioned retro sneakers: are these the SUV of sneakers?? Maybe. Let’s be real though, you can never have too much cushioning for all-day walking on city pavement and uneven cobblestones. These would also be perfect go-tos for travel.
a soft blazer for the airport and semi-off-duty days: debating the versatility of the dark olive colorway vs a black drapey version. Leaning towards the latter, which will be versatile for a travel capsule + wrinkle-resistant.
soft leather glove flats: still deliberating between these or the Alaia-esque hybrid glove + Maryjane. I like the ones by Essen too (recommended by a few readers), but the cost-prohibitive return policy for non-Australian customers gives me pause. Shoes are always tricky especially if you can’t see them in person first and/or they’re only available in whole sizes. The high-vamp glove flat and the style-adjacent Maryjanes are everywhere right now so this may be a case where Ubiquity Begets Desire.3 I may think on these some more and move these to the Q2 list.
Off the list/shelved for now:
a boxy glen plaid/prince of Wales check jacket/blazer: Maybe I’ll come back to this piece later this year, but no real need or priority push on this one at the moment.
Mood-boardy thoughts and inspirations:
i. The pendulum has swung: after the post-pandemic existential crisis of How Do We Get Dressed Again the vibe is now shifting back towards Make an Effort & Get Dressed.4 (I find this all very vintage-friendly, by the way.) A good styling prompt to keep in mind throughout this year to wear more of what I don’t wear enough, think creatively about layering and proportions … all while still staying comfortable.
ii. Speaking of vintage-friendly, brooches are having a moment. Guys are leading the revival (the brooched lapel was all over last weekend’s Oscars red carpet). I’ve collected a few vintage ones over the years and thoroughly enjoy wearing one on dressier occasions as a finishing touch to top off a jacket or coat. Which brings me to this note to self:
iii. This was the conversation between me and my partner the other day while I was doing my annual closet denim audit and trying on a pair of my most ‘directional’ slouchy jeans:
Me: “What do you think of these?”
Him: “Those look like house remodeling jeans.”
Well there you have it. Is honesty the best policy in relationships? Do guys/significant others just bring it back down to real life? Fashion apparently = DIY Network sometimes, ha! Whatever, I still think my jeans are great, and I may also wear them for my next mini-reno project.
What do you think? Any hits/misses for you this year?
Tip: whenever possible, give yourself at least a few days to a week to consider the pros and cons of an impromptu deep sale find. This can help prevent a mistaken impulse buy.
Throughout the year, but especially summer when it’s sometimes just too hot for anything more than just the smallest bag you can get away with.
Thanks to social media and the digitization of fashion, the Ubiquity Begets Desire effect has never been more powerful. Always good to check in with yourself and ask, “Is this ______ something I actually want or even like, or have I been conditioned to want this because I’m seeing it everywhere?”
See Vanessa Friedman’s excellent PFW ’24 final review.
I applaud your focus on shopping and understanding holes in your wardrobe! I’m inspired!
Ugh, I am so over dry-clean only clothing. Especially when it's a fabric that I know can be washed.
I have definitely started making more of an effort to dress up since picking up a pair of made-in-Italy heels last summer (my first purchase of heels in years). As much as I love flats, that purchase reminded me of how fun it is to dress up, even if all that means is adding a pair of stilettos and a bright lipstick. It's a mood lifter for sure.